Rodeo

Tragedy recently struck three families within the rodeo circle. At the 2023 state rodeo finals, a fundraiser event took place to show support to the families affected.

In the Elshere family, rodeo runs in the blood. Thayne, a senior from Sturgis Brown High School, is one of five kids that belong to Lyndsay and J.J. Elshere of Hereford.

"Tip down, elbow up." It's time for a roping session from Macy Maxwell.

The Blasius family captures the heart of South Dakota through their community involvement. Parents Brett and Paula and their children Lane, Josie, Blair, Burk, and Jace all participate in the rodeo, which started with their dad when he was younger.

From a rookie cowgirl to multiple trips to nationals, and now, an all-around cowgirl finish to an impressive high school career – Landry Haugen of Sturgis was born to be a rodeo winner.

Avari Dorrance of Custer is the new high school rodeo queen in South Dakota. She officially received the crown on Friday in Ft. Pierre to kick off the grand entry ceremony.

SDPB’s Lura Roti visits a Plankinton ranch to sit down with a third-generation South Dakota rodeo family to understand what it is about this sport that they enjoy.

Since 1969, the Winner Elks Rodeo has benefited the non-profit organization LifeScape. It's a tradition the Hollenbeck Rodeo Company is proud of, as they continue to provide the stock.

Rickie Engesser won the South Dakota Rodeo Association (SDRA) All-Around Women's Champion in 2021.

Kylie and Addyson Wittnebel are sisters who have both advanced to the national high school rodeo event this July. What makes this even more unique is that they each qualified for nationals in the same event, Pole Bending.